Last season was a nightmare for both clubs. Between them, they won just four games out of 24.
How different things are now. Cromwell lead the competition after four consecutive victories while Arrowtown are in fourth spot after runaway victories over Maniototo and Alexandra, two games in which they have scored 14 tries.
Arrowtown now get a crack at the White Horse Cup, on Thursday evening under lights in Wānaka.
Coach Aidan Winter is not making any predictions about that contest, knowing how formidable Upper Clutha are at home, having lost only two games in Wānaka in the past two seasons.
But Winter was all smiles when the final whistle blew at Jack Reid Park on Saturday with his team having overwhelmed Alexandra, a team they had not beaten since 2023, 50-22.
Alexandra, inspired by halfback Ryan O’Neill, winger Ethan Mount and captain Tyler Ford, deservedly led 22-14 four minutes into the second half, but were submerged by Winter’s men for the remainder of the contest.
"We’ve got a simple game plan which works when we stick to it," Winter said.
"It was important we backed up after that good win against Maniototo, and we did."
Cromwell, coming off an upset victory over Wakatipu, took a long time to exert control against Maniototo at Ranfurly.
"Tactically, we got it all wrong in the first half," coach Roger Dawson said.
"Before we knew it, we were 12 points down, which was trimmed to 12-7 by halftime.
"For the next 30 or so minutes we played good, sensible rugby and built a handy lead, only to concede two late tries."
Saturday’s victory has pushed Cromwell into a three-point lead in the competition and their next three games are all home contests at Anderson Park.
Wakatipu made hard work of beating Matakanui Combined 26-7 under lights on Friday night at Omakau.
Matakanui Combined’s powerful scrum won them at least half a dozen tightheads and they held Wakatipu to 12-7 at halftime.
This week’s matches are all being played under lights on Thursday night — Maniototo against Matakanui Combined, Cromwell against Alexandra, and the White Horse Cup game in Wānaka.
By Bob Howitt
